Democrats file final House health bill; Friday vote possible

The vote on the House's healthcare reform legislation will not be held until Friday evening at the earliest.

The House Rules Committee posted the Manager's Amendment to the healthcare online Tuesday evening, signifying the final legislation as having been officially sent to the floor.

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The posting means a vote on the bill could be called as early as Friday evening, under House Democrats' agreement with Republican leaders to post their final healthcare bill online for a minimum of 72 hours before a vote is called.

The amendment, offered by House Dean and longtime health reform advocate Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), comes on an Election Day which saw Democrats lose some key governors' races in the country.

"Tonight, we have filed a manager’s amendment to the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which is the next critical step toward comprehensive health insurance reform that ensures affordability for the middle class, provides security for our seniors, and protects our children’s future by not adding to our deficit," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement. "Americans are ready for comprehensive health insurance reform, and the House will soon act."

"With the completion of the Manager’s Amendment to the Affordable Health Care for America Act, we are now in the final stage of moving this critical bill through the House," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). "We pledged we would make this amendment available for 72 hours before a vote. Now that the Amendment is posted, the clock has started."

“There are few legislative efforts that have received as much debate and discussion as health insurance reform. Our Members have worked very hard on this legislation, and I believe that as a result, we have a strong product that will lower costs and provide greater health care stability for all Americans," Hoyer added. "We are continuing to discuss this legislation with our Members, and I will bring it to the Floor once we have consensus and in keeping with our 72 hour pledge."